Côte d’Ivoire was crowned African champion for the third time in its history on the sidelines of its 2-1 victory in the CAN 2023+1 final against Nigeria.
The first minutes of this final were in favor of the Ivorians, who settled in the camp of Nigeria, but without obtaining real opportunities. Domination is total in the face of Nigerians who have a lot of trouble getting out of their camp.
It was only after half an hour that Nigeria begins to take out its heads from the water. From there the Nigerians become more dangerous, especially in the counter with Osimhen and Lookman.
Then arrives the 38 ‘. The first corner in favor of Nigeria is extended to the first post, in the surface. The ball arrives on Troost-Ekong, which takes over Aurier and crucifies the Ivorians, from the head!
After the break, Côte d’Ivoire holds the ball again and besieged the surface of the Super Eagles. But Nigeria is blocking around its goalkeeper Nwabali. Except that the pressing operated by the Ivorians will bear fruit.
Stunning Ivorians!
On a corner, Adingra wraps its center of the law at the second post. Kessié is lonely and stings his plunging head for the equalization of Côte d’Ivoire in the 62 ‘. The 57,000 Ivorian supporters of the Alassane Ouattara Olympic stadium in Abidjan are in joy.
After equalization, the Elephants continue to press their opponents. Constantly in the opposing thirty meters, they once again find the flaw in the 81 ‘. Adingra Crochette and continues a center halfway up. Haller is brighter than Captain Troost-Ekong at the first post and gives the advantage of the right foot!
After this second Ivorian goal, the Nigerians go on the attack, it is the turn of the elephants to block around their penalty area. They will resist until the end to raise their third trophy in their history.
And three for Côte d’Ivoire
Côte d’Ivoire raised its third trophy this evening after participating in its 25th CAN. It was crowned in 1992 in Senegal, in 2015 in Equatorial Guinea and in 2023 at home for two defeats in the final in 2006 and 2012.
For Nigeria, this year of its 20th CAN was this year. He won three titles of African champion in the past, in 1980 at home, in 1994 in Tunisia and in 2013 in South Africa, but he also lost five finals (1984, 1988, 1990, 2000 and 2023).
The compositions
Ivory Coast: Fofana – Aurier, Koussounou, Ndickka, Konan – Fofana, Seri, Kessie – Adingra, Haller, Gradel
Nigeria: Nwabili-Ajayi, Troost-Ekong, Bassey-Aina, Onyaka, Iwobi, Salisu-Chukwueze, Osimhen, Lookman
